A Brief Introduction To The Incredible Natural Labyrinth Beneath Waitomo
By James Baker published on 9 October 2018
Waitomo is a small village with beautiful rolling green hills. It is nestled close to the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Famous for its intricate network of underground caves, rivers and sinkholes. The name comes from the Maori words for water (wai) and hole (tomo). One of nature’s true wonders, a trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without visiting North Island’s Waitomo caves.
The Creation Of The Waitomo Caves
Underground streams pushed through soft limestone over a period of several thousand years which carved this unique network of caves. Visitors from all across the globe come to visit this popular attraction. Many of Waitomo’s caves have stoney stalagmites and stalactites adorning the floors and ceilings. The result of consistent sources of dripping water formed over hundreds of years.
Exploring The Waitomo Caves On Your Trip To New Zealand
Joining a boat or walking tour is the simplest way to explore the caves. If you’re feeling more adventurous, a blackwater rafting experience is certainly something to add to your bucket list. Crawl, swim, and glide your way on a rubber tube, before abseiling and even zip-lining through some of the larger spaces.
At 40m high and 100m long, St Benedicts Caverns are perfect for abseiling adventurers. Its impressive stalactites and stalagmites make this New Zealand’s ‘best-dressed cave’ and if that’s not enough, you even get to exit through a circular Hobbit door. What a dream.
Waitomo’s Legendary Glow-Worm Cave
Although every cave is beautiful in its own way, the glow-worm caves are something extra special. As you silently glide through the water by boat, you will enter a cave illuminated by thousands of glow-worms almost mimicking the intricate constellations of the night sky. Guided tours have been conducted here since the 1880s. It’s certainly not difficult to see why so many people have and continue to be so keen to soak in the unique atmosphere. A little slice of magic, this is an experience you won’t ever forget.
Don’t miss out on Waitomo’s wonders and book your Wild Kiwi adventure on the Northern Voyager tour!
